How much does it cost to have fun?  When you're a kid all you really need is a good imagination but when adults get involved the price tag can go up...a lot!

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Much Needed Pricey Project

But that's ok if the money spent goes for something like remaking the face of Yakima's first-ever neighborhood bark. Work is underway to install a new playground at Miller Park, located at 4th Street and E Street which is part of a community effort launched in September 2020 to improve the venerable park.

As I said, the price tag goes up...the cost of the playground equipment and installation is $148,000. (that's a lot of popsicles) and is funded through the Washington State Legislative Capital Budget and private donations.

More Community Center Than Purely A Playground

Total fundraising for the park is $650,000. The refurbishing is more than a cosmetic facelift on the 99-year-old facility. The work being done is expected to help reach the goals of increased safety, health & recreation opportunities, and a community gathering place for education, outreach, and collaboration.

With all that in mind, the next phase of the Miller Park improvement projects includes adding a picnic shelter, basketball lighting, and fencing, adding a restroom, creating a shade structure for the performance area, and building a walkway through the park.

Yakima City Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson:

We are so pleased to be able to make improvements to this essential northeast neighborhood park,...our purpose is to revitalize Miller Park as the heart of the community.

For more about the Miller Park Improvement Project visit https://restoremillerpark.org/ .

Donations can be sent to:

Yakima Valley Community Foundation
Miller Park Improvement Fund
111 University Parkway, Suite 102
Yakima, WA 98901

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